The Disney World Phenomenon

I love Disney World.  I grew up in a family that loves Disney World.  And one of the most compelling reasons why, is because it literally is a world within a world.  They so effectively create a land of 7-foot characters and princess castles and $10 chicken fingers that when you are there, it doesn't take long to forget that another world exists, one that has some decisions slightly bigger than, "At which park are we going to eat tonight?" or "Where do you want to use our Fast Pass next?"  

The only problem with doing that so effectively, is that in forgetting that there is another world out there, sometimes, in the midst of the trip, I can forget to truly appreciate the joy of Disney World.  I become so busy in thinking about the next ride, the next meal, the next day, that I miss truly enjoying the thrills of the Rockin' Rollercoaster or the simple nostalgia of walking down a Main Street from long ago.  I forget to do so at least until I get home and remember that Disney World was a pretty special treat, and think, "Why didn't I appreciate that more?" as I wake up and prepare for the normal tasks of everyday living.

And so why could I possibly be writing about Disney World before dawn on this glorious Christmas morning?  On the drive back to Pittsburgh last night, I was struck with the realization that all too often, I am living in the fog of this "Disney World Phenomenon," going through the steps of each day without really stopping to realize the beauty in each moment.  

I'm preparing for the next meal, the next program, the next major life-event coming up, and if I'm not careful, the ride goes on and on and I forget that this is the ride.  I forget that this is a greater joy, a most incredible opportunity that we've been given by our Heavenly Father to enjoy the gifts of this world for such a brief moment, and to actually be able to be used to make a significant life-impact for other people by His grace alone.  And while life on this Earth, I'm sure, cannot hold a candle to eternity with Him, it's still a pretty amazing place to be.

I know.  Heavy thoughts to think about at 6 AM on Christmas morning.  Maybe it's the fact that I came back home last night, back to the Christmas decorations that have been here since I was a kid, the duck gravy bowl that signified that a fancy dinner was coming.  My dad even made chocolates just like we used to have at the old candy factory.  I actually started to tear up when I ate one.  Maybe it's the fact that this is my last official Christmas as a "kid," as a new kid will be with me enjoying Christmas next year.  Maybe it's the fact that Boppli is already waking me up before dawn on Christmas morning even though I can't see him/her yet.

Whatever the reason, I'm kind of glad for the little splash of cold water on my face.  Glad for the opportunity to soak in the joys of the next few days.  To soak up the delights of childhood memories and family and friends and to be truly thankful for the new things that God has done and is doing in my life.  To thank God for a husband and new family that is a dream come true and realize that this ride is a Good one, all of it, even the twists and turns that sometimes make me wish I could somehow get off.  

Everyone will be up soon.  Okay, maybe not too soon.  We seem to not be as early-risers as our younger years.  Regardless, may you soak in this Christmas and ALL the gifts that God has placed under your tree, both tangible and intangible.  May you live in the joys of the dreams He has already given to you and with the hope of the ones not yet realized.  And may you enjoy the ride, remembering the past hills and thrills and relishing each and every moment of the ride right now.  Merry Christmas!

Official Detroiter

I think I have mentioned before that I grew up in a family that was in the chocolate business.  I know.  Too bad I didn't truly realize how cool that was until I was older.  Anyway, I distinctly remember going to help out at the retail stores during the Christmas or Easter holidays, and even as a little girl, my dad taught me proper rules and etiquette of customer service.  Treat the customer with respect.  Welcome them, but don't hover about them.  Help them without pestering them.  Greet them with a smile.  Basic things, but simple things that can make a big difference.

Perhaps it was from these early lessons, but in the years since, I have become a customer service junkie.  Whenever I meet a company or business or associate that shows exemplary skills, I will be their biggest cheerleader and tell everyone I can about it.  Thanks to an AT&T associate named, Quiana, I am now a raving fan of AT&T's service.

On Monday, she spent about an hour with me, helping me activate an iPhone for Brad and gave me a temporary number for it so I could give it to him for Christmas.  I think she was almost as excited as me. 

Monday night, I lost my phone.  When I realized it wasn't coming back, I went back on Wednesday, and she immediately remembered my name, situation, and was concerned something happened with the surprise.  When I told her about the phone, she spent about another 45 minutes with me helping me look at possible plans and phone options.

I gave Brad his phone last night (I think I have a better idea of what a cute little boy he must've been when he received "Snake Eyes" for Christmas.  The man has a new toy and he is happy) and we went back to the store where Quiana again spent 1.5 hours with us (even staying after the store closed) to make sure we were completely set up and pleased with our choices.  We are even Facebook friends now.

All that to say, I am now a very happy AT&T customer, with a new phone (an LG Vu - I'm thinking of calling it Barbara after another "View" star) and a new Detroit phone number.  I guess it's now official that I am a Detroiter.

The Best of Times . . . The Worst of Times

Ok, so maybe the "worst of times" is a bit hyperbolic, but anyone who has misplaced their cell phone knows how "worst of times" it can really be.  Seriously, if I try really hard, I can remember a time without cell phones, but I don't know how we functioned!  I continue to pray that it will show up, but I fear that my dear Samsung Alias may be lost forever.

On the best of times side of things . . . this morning, Brad and I got to hear little Boppli's heartbeat!  It was pretty amazing (no hyperbole used) . . . a really fast "swoosh swoosh" rather than the traditional "lub dub" that fully grown hearts seem to beat.  Doctor said that everything sounded great so we continue to thank Jesus for the gift of little Boppli and trust him/her in His care.

AND . . . as if the day couldn't get better after the heartbeat, I went to my e-mail and saw that what I thought to be my impossible dream has come true.  One of my all-time favorite stores, Bed, Bath, and Beyond (see prior post here), has indeed branched out to baby land and is opening a store not too far from me!  BuyBuy Baby is coming to Canton, MI, right by another Top 10 store, Ikea!  How happy is Leah.  And Boppli too.  Boppli told me so.

Never Too Early

So my friend, Kim, sent Brad and I a very helpful e-mail yesterday that she read on another friend's blog.  It's some very helpful reminders about how to best care for Baby when little Boppli comes along.  I've read it several times and it never ceases to make me giggle.  You can never start preparing for these things too early!

Not Hijacked

A few weeks ago, my blog was hijacked by my oh-so-funny husband when he announced to the world that I was pregnant and what a great husband he was.  

I just wanted to start off by saying that this post is not hijacked, but I do want to reiterate again what an amazing husband I have. :-)  

My man has been serving this family like crazy, unpacking all of our luggage, helping with the Christmas decorations, cleaning the house and dishes, and even came home on Saturday with one of the first e-mails I sent him over 2 years ago with a recipe for Cranberry Chicken on it that he was going to make me for dinner (and then he even allowed the menu to be changed when he saw that it really wasn't sitting well with my stomach).  All of this in the middle of catching up from vacation and the busy weekend at church with a kick-off to the Christmas season!  What a guy.

Thanks, Brad, for being such a picture of Jesus to me.  I love you, Baby!

Mele Kalikimaka!

So we're back from an incredible Thanksgiving vacation with Brad's family.  And, as you can see from the title of this post, we enjoyed a wonderful Hawaiian kickoff to the Christmas season!  It was a little strange seeing Christmas trees and wreaths adorned with fake snow in the middle of an 85 degree sandy beach (Santa ditches his suit, sleigh and reindeer in Hawaii for a Hawaiian shirt and shorts, a red canoe, and a team of dolphins), but it was a happy time nonetheless.  I feel incredibly blessed to have such an amazing new family to add to my already great family.  No words to convey my gratitude.

I'll include a few pictures of the whole family (Brad's mom and dad, sister, Betsy, and brother-in-law, Rob, and nephew, Robert - who is now about 13 months).  

In other news, Boppli (the gender neutral name that we're calling our baby until we come up for something more appropriate) seemed to really enjoy Hawaii, even deciding not to make me sick while we were there and letting me sleep a little more.  Isn't that the most thoughtful baby ever?!? :-) Boppli also started encouraging me to have some more, um interesting, tastes in food (including cherry Twizzlers and A-1 steak sauce, which I ate on potato chips).  These were always fulfilled nearly on demand by my caring father-in-law.  

Today is re-entry day which is always hard, but it's lots of fun seeing friends and family again and to be able to decorate for Christmas for the first time in my own home!

Engaged . . . Kind of

So, like I mentioned in my last post, this was the way I wanted to go about discussing this new adventure.  I can't help but feel like I'm engaged once again, this time engaged to be a Mommy instead of a wife.

They both are one of the few, unique seasons in life that you know how when they will begin and end (roughly).  And, much of the time is spent wrapped up in preparations to get ready for the big event and finding oneself wishing it were just here already.

I remember making a conscious effort, however, when I was engaged, to really try and enjoy the season for what it was, recognizing that there wouldn't be another time in my life when I would be able to have that season.  I definitely had my moments during my engagement, but I can honestly say that it was a truly special time and I can see so much merit to how much Brad and I grew together as God prepared us for the next season in our lives.

And so now, I am once again trying to do the same.  It's a little bit harder to fully appreciate when you're experiencing "happy sickness" and sleepless nights, but I recognize that my sickness represents life.  And it's a not-so-subtle reminder to me that even though it seems like nothing is different on the outside, God is doing an amazing miracle on the inside, the fruit of which will soon be evident for others to see . . . literally. :-)

So, I happily continue in my mommy engagement (maybe I should get a new ring? :-) ) and ask God to form a new work in my life, inside and out.

Hijacked!

In case you couldn't tell, my blog was hijacked.  Hijacked by my husband.

I had this really cute title and post all ready to go to announce the exciting news.

And then what gets posted but "I Am Pregnant."

Cute?  Not so much.

But yes, it's true.  Guess I'll have to work my cute post in tomorrow.

In the meantime . . .

Yes, I am feeling kind of sick (but it's a happy sort of sickness). 

Yes, my husband is incredible.

But no, there will be no breakfast in bed tomorrow.  Sorry, Baby. :-)

I am Pregnant

It's true.

I've felt really sick.  But Brad has been INCREDIBLE.  He has been compassionate and empathetic.  I don't know what I would do without him.

In fact, tomorrow I think I will make him breakfast in bed.  And bring him lunch. 

And make his favorite meal for dinner.

I also think that I will buy him an i-phone.  Even if I have to cancel the Verizon contract, it is worth it to repay him for all he is doing for me. 

Garage Sale Treasure

Brad has been telling me about this particular podcast for a while: This American Life, produced by Chicago Public Radio.  I had my first opportunity to listen to it over these past few days and heard one of the most fascinating narratives of a man, Sudhir Alladi Venkatesh - a sociological professor at Columbia University, and Sudhir's friend, a man named Nellie who lived in the South side of Chicago.  

Nellie made a living, a very good living, illegally selling ammunitions in the neighborhoods where he lived.  It was the exorbitant amount of cash that Nellie received from his job that ended up creating more of a problem than he ever imagined.  He became racked with guilt in regard to his acquisition of the money and was ashamed to tell any of his family about it.  What's more, it started creating incredible paranoia and panic attacks as Nellie would fear that something would happen to it, as he had to resort to hiding the money in mattresses or large garbage bags that he would hide in his yard.  

Sudhir remembers the day that he went over to Nellie's house only to find him alone in his room, emotionally distraught, surrounded by crumpled up small bills totaling thousands of dollars.  He begged Sudhir to help him find a solution to his problem.  

"What do you people do when you have too much stuff?" Nellie asked Sudhir.  

"Well, whenever a lot of our possessions would accumulate, we would sometimes have a garage sale in our neighborhood," Sudhir explained.

Excitement and relief splashed across Nellie's face as he quickly began making preparations for his own yard sale, a very special yard sale.  Nellie began finding various appliances and pieces of furniture around the house.  A vacuum cleaner got a few hundred dollars shoved into its bag.  A television carried several hundred dollars in a back compartment.  Couch cushions and an older mattress had numerous bills stuffed into them.  And when the clandestine handiwork was completed, the items were taken outside to his front lawn where Nellie and Sudhir waited for some buyers.  

After being ordered several times by Nellie that he must not say ANYTHING about the secret stash, Sudhir relates his interactions with the various shoppers for the day.  A homeless man pushing a shopping cart came and bought the vacuum for $15, excited to sell it back to the Thrift Store for $30 later that day so he could make a quick profit.  A group of women coming from church wanted to buy the couch, but didn't want to keep the cushions as they looked kind of lumpy and smelled funny.  

And although Sudhir would try and persuade the people to look deeper in their purchases, the buyers would only look at him as if he were crazy.  You can't really blame them.  What would a homeless man do with a vacuum when he lives under a bridge?  And why would ladies want to keep lumpy old cushions?  Sudhir humorously relates his frustrations trying to convince people to look beyond what they could see or understand.

While I in no way condone money laundering or illegal selling of munitions, the story was an amazing illustration of people having no idea what kind of treasure was inside the most ordinary belongings.  It brought to mind the verse from 2 Corinthians 4.7, "But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not us."  As Paul notes, our outward, frail, and fallen bodies are the perfect vessel for God to hide His treasure in us, creating the most beautiful picture of redemption for even the most ordinary of His children.  And often, people think us crazy for putting so much value into those 

"ordinary vessels" that we see walking around.  It's the knowledge of the treasure that is inside them, however, that makes all the difference.  

May God give me His eyes to see His bright and beautiful treasure inside His "vacuum cleaners" and "couch cushions" and continue to hide His treasure inside this ordinary appliance to surprisingly bless the lives of those who meet me.

Irony of Change

This upcoming Sunday will mark our third Sunday in our new location at Southfield-Lathrup High School.  Brad posted some great pictures and updates of all the preparation & set-up, and first service.  Check it out if you'd like.  It's been a wonderful experience and I've been so proud of our teams, church family, and my husband, of course. :-)

Going through the preparation for the transition over these past few months has caused me to do some reflection about change.  I realized what I think is one of the most ironic parts of the seasons of change in our lives.  

Change is one of the most constant things in our world.  If there's one thing we can always count on, it's that things will change.  Our world was created to support it as evidenced by the four seasons and growth of all living things.  I would even venture to say that if a person thought about it rationally, they would never advocate that things always stay the same.  It wouldn't be a healthy or desirable option no matter how good things may seem at the present. 

And yet, knowing these elements of change doesn't seem to alter the fact that change always seems to take us by surprise.  We know in our heads that things will change, and yet when it does, our hearts can tend to fight against it wondering, "Why now?"

I consider myself to be a person that actually likes change, but even I have found in the midst of city changes, job changes, family changes, church changes, and friend changes, that there is part of me that longs for the perceived security and constancy of the way things were.  My prayer is that in the midst of our life changes that we would focus on that which cannot change (Mal. 3.6) and that He would give us wisdom and discernment as He orchestrates changes as He best sees fit (Dan. 2.21). 

Blog Wall

So I kinda feel like I've hit a blogging wall these past few weeks, and even a writing wall for that matter.  Writing truly has been one of my favorite things over these past few years, so journaling, and then blogging, came quite naturally.

Not so these days.  I'm not sure why, but I've sat down to blog several times over these past weeks, but just didn't have anything to say.

I thought about writing about the economy, but I don't feel qualified to make any kind of assessment about it and instead find myself constantly reminding myself to trust God more than money or security.  Whenever scenes from Cinderella Man come into my head, I must choose to push them away and trust God.

I thought about writing about my latest Bed, Bath, and Beyond escapade which blew even my high expectations out of the water.  But then I realized, how much Bed, Bath, and Beyond publicizing can one person do?  (FYI . . . they truly are phenomenal with their return policy.  If you know someone getting married or you're getting married, register there!!!)

And so, I publish this blog about nothing, remembering one of the most recent Demotivators that I read recently (from one of my favorite sites).

The Times They Are A-Changin

I had the opportunity to enjoy a 26 hour trip to Pittsburgh last weekend.  Yep, that included the 9 hours spent in the car driving.  Definitely couldn't have done it without the help of my sister, Samantha. (Thank you, Saulie!) :-)

Besides the fact that it was entirely too short, it really was a wonderful trip.  I was able to go back to North Way and speak to a group of Middle School girls about their identity in Christ and relationships.  Middle School Ministry at North Way was where I first cut my teeth in full-time ministry, so it was really special to come back to where it all began.  Besides that, I loved the topic and am really passionate about trying to communicate these Truths to women as early as possible.

One of the things that really struck me on this trip home, however, is how much things have changed, at least physically speaking.  When I left, 2 major projects were either just "born" or in a very embryonic state at North Way.  The Family Ministry was just gaining ground and momentum and a building project for a new Kidz Ministry area was just going to be started.  Not even one year later, the ministry is kickin' butt and the building is almost finished!

I've been a part of these kind of projects long enough to know that when you are in those trenches day to day, it feels like the changes are so long in coming.  To those leading the effort, it often feels like the changes should have all been done about 3 months prior.  Stepping away from the situation, however, and getting some perspective, really helps to see all that God has accomplished and is doing.  I was so proud to see all the work He is continuing to do in the hearts and lives of the people that I don't get to see nearly as often as I like.

It also brought a healthy dose of reality to the season in which my church is now living, once again, a time of change.  Working out the details of the change and move are important, but even more is the perspective that God is doing a much bigger change than we can see.  Although His ways and thoughts will always be higher than ours, it's nice when He gives just a glimpse of His reality to His children. 

Arrrrr you ready?!?

For a few years now, this is one of my most favorite websites.  I'm not sure how I even found it the first time, but it is a priceless gem in providing actual authenticated holidays that most people don't know they should be celebrating.

And today is definitely in my Top 5 Favorite Holidays . . . Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Really, it's so much fun.  If you've never tried, you must.  I'll get you started.

What is a Pirate's favorite state in the U. S.?

ARRRRRRRkansas. (You know you chuckled.)

What is a Pirate's favorite piece of furniture?

An ARRRRRRRmoire! 

What is a Pirate's favorite Andrew Lloyd Webber song?

Don't Cry for Me ARRRRRRRRgentina!

I know, I could do this all day.  And in fact . . . I will!!! :-)

It would make Johnny Depp so proud.  And speaking of Pirate movies, you should really make a date night and go out and see the new Pirate movie coming out.  You'll want to leave the kids at home, however, because it is rated . . . ARRRRRRRRR!  (I think that one is my favorite.)

One last thing for those of you married females who are still reading . . . note on the website that TOMORROW is Wife Appreciation Day.  Don't miss out on celebrating that one. :-)

And, if you would like a spiritual connection to my Piratical Celebration (okay, maybe it's just celebration in general), Brad gave a really great message about celebration this last Sunday when COTK turned 7!  Check it out here if you like.

Sensational!

I've mentioned this once or twice before, but I think it appropriate to once again confess.

My name is Leah Leach.  And I am a Weather Channel junkie.

I come by it quite naturally.  My mother instilled this addiction into our home at a rather early age.  It's one that is truly outside the realm of understanding for my husband.  He asks questions like:

"Why would you check today about weather on Saturday if you know the weather is going to change several times in between?"  Of course I want to know a general idea of what is going to happen this week.  They can't be that far off.

And when I wake up every morning and go down to check the weather I've heard, "Why are you checking the weather again when you just checked it yesterday?"  Of course, because the weather always changes and those weather people can be wrong.

I realize it makes no sense.  I still do it all the same.

Lately, however, I've stepped back from my Weather Channel addiction and looked at the weather coverage in a new light.  It's difficult to watch the channel for more than 2 minutes (and many times any other channel for that matter) without getting some kind of update on a hurricane or tropical storm that is barrelling into the coastline or even just forming off the coast of Africa.  

What's fascinating to me is the way that weather has become a form of entertainment of sorts, a sensationalized event for people to watch and get excited about the magnitude of the catastrophe.  Maybe it's just me, but it somewhere in the midst of hurricane coverage, watching the insane reporters getting blown over and the massive amounts of water collecting, I forget that I'm not watching a movie set, a blockbuster epic with some amazing special effects.  

That deluged house represents someone's home, their belongings, and their memories.  I get so wrapped up in the drama that is being presented that for a second, some sick part of me feels a sense of disappointment that the hurricane has dropped from a category 3 to a category 2.  That development could have saved the lives and homes of hundreds or thousands of people, and I was disappointed that it was not going to be as exciting of a show.  Sick, I know.

It really challenged my sense of compassion.  I can watch a sad story, on the news or in a movie, and feel some sort of distanced sadness.  A sense of sympathy, maybe, that I feel really badly for those people.  Or, if I hear about a sad story that is similar to something I've gone through, I can feel a sense of empathy, sadness with more depth, knowing some amount of what that person is going through.  But when I hear a story of someone's suffering, and I'm actually moved to the point of doing something about it, I'm acting out of compassion, something that is continually mentioned in the Gospels when speaking of Jesus  He didn't just see a crowd of people.  He had compassion on them and fed them or taught them or healed them or did whatever was necessary to relieve their suffering.

I'm sure that Brad wishes my revelation has caused me to ditch the Weather Channel entirely, but rather it's caused me to watch in an entirely new way.  I am reminded to pray for the people involved and to see how God would best have me respond, not only to victims of weather catastrophes, but the numerous people I see throughout the day that I rarely even think about because I'm too wrapped up in my daily agenda to notice.  To start living a life of compassion would truly be sensational.

Flight Instructions

Brad and I just got back from what I like to call a "mini-vacation."  It was very short, but very sweet and one of those times when even a few days away can be a lovely breath of fresh air.

I can't say that I'm a frequent flyer, but I fly a few times a year, so I'm pretty familiar with the entire routine . . . when to board, where to put the bags, what is said, when you can turn on your iPod, etc.  Usually, I just step right into auto-pilot (pun intended) whenever I'm traveling by plane.  

This time, however, I paid extra attention to my fellow passengers as the flight attendants were going through all the pre-takeoff preparations.  I could not find one person on either flight that was listening to ANYTHING that was being said.  Some of this was probably due to common sense ("Oh, so THAT'S what you do with a seat belt!").  Some of this was due to repetition (there's only so many times you can hear the same thing before you completely tune out).  And I'm sure some of this had to do with priorities (listening to a song, reading a book, or talking to a friend was way more important than hearing the standard rhetoric).  I confess that on just about every flight, I am just like them.

What really struck me this time, however, was the incredible irony of the situation.  What these attendants were sharing was vital information.  In some circumstances, it could mean the difference between life and death.  And yet, for many, the knowledge was considered way less important than the latest romantic happenings of Jessica Simpson.  In the case of an emergency, how many people would wish that they had read that safety card on how to open the door rather than another few pages in People Magazine?  

I couldn't help but see a spiritual connection as well.  How much vital information do I have everyday at my fingertips . . . promises, warnings, instruction located throughout the Scriptures, not to mention a dynamic and personal relationship with God Himself.  All this, and yet how often do I find myself skimming over my Bible reading or busying myself with "more important" matters, until I find myself up against a "crisis" of some kind (either big or small).  I so quickly am reminded of how much I need my Father's guidance.  

I suppose it's challenged me once again to take time and make space to listen throughout my day.  There's a definite difference between hearing someone and listening to what they're saying.  The art of listening is a practice I am choosing to pursue in a very loud world, one that I hope to improve for not only my Heavenly Father's voice, but that of my husband, family, and friends as well.

Me and My Shadow

One of the first poems I remember my dad reading to me was "My Shadow," by Robert Lewis Stevenson.  As I grew, my cousins and I would play shadow tag during the summer months as a fun twist on an old game.  And who doesn't remember all the fun that Peter Pan had with his shadow?  

With all my childhood background with shadows, perhaps it's not surprising that one of my favorite Bible passages is Psalm 91.  Its first verse, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty," has been particularly meaningful to me and is one that I have prayed for numerous people when they have been in difficult situations.  

As I've been thinking more about shadows, however, I thought about one simple difference that can make a shadow something to be desired or something to be feared . . . who, or what, is making it.  As much fun as shadows were in a game of tag, they proved to be equally if not more terrifying whenever I went to bed and saw them through my bedroom.  Shadows, by very definition, are dark and cold and often distort a picture of reality.  There is a very fine line between a sweet shade and a scary shadow.  

When I thought of that in the context of Psalm 91, it gave the chapter a new meaning.  Verse 4 says that "He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge . . ."  Being under some large wings in a shadow sounds like it can be a pretty dark and lonely place to be IF one were to forget who was making the shadow.  If I looked back at the times when I've most often prayed this prayer it was during some of the scariest and darkest times that I've known.  I desperately called out to God for protection and help.  Resting in that shadow didn't always make things magically brighter or better, but it did provide me with indescribable comfort as I realized the darkness was not something to be feared, but a shade provided by my Heavenly Father.  Once again, darkness isn't bad if you know from where it's coming.

And so I have a great, big shadow that goes in and out with me.  And what can be the use of Him is far more than I can see. (That last part is for you, Dad.) :-)

Dreamin and Cruisin

Friday was a pretty special day for me.

1.  My amazing husband surprised me with an incredible picnic in honor of completing our thank you cards.  It may seem silly, but since my Freshman year in high school, I've dreamed of one day having a picnic with my husband using a "real-live" picnic basket.  (Thanks to Caroline who gave us this wonderful gift complete with little salt and pepper shakers!)  It was a beautiful day at a beautiful park and even some ants came along to make the the time even more idyllic.

2.  Friday night was the annual Berkley Cruisefest that coincides with the Woodward Dream Cruise each August.  Last year, I participated in the first community outreach that COTK did for the Cruisefest.  It was the first time I participated in something for COTK.  A week after that, I got engaged.  This year, a man came up to me at the Cruisefest rather excitedly and said, "Hi there!  Do you remember me?"  I think he could see the blank stare on my face because he continued, "Last year I met you here when you gave me a bottle of water," and honestly, I remembered this sweet older man that I met when we talked about Jesus, church, and the pastor that I was dating.  As I nodded my head, he looked at me expectantly and asked, "Well . . . did you marry him?!?"  I giggled and introduced him to my husband.  

Both circumstances served as mini-altars to remind me of the incredible faithfulness of God.  Our dreams, big and small, are anything but insignificant to Him and He has an amazing way of fulfilling them sometimes when we least expect it.  Clearly there are some difficult times when we truly are walking by faith, trusting in that faithfulness rather than experiencing it to its fullness.  But it seems like the darker those moments, the sweeter the taste of His promises, mainly because He has changed me in the process.  May you taste His goodness today in whatever season you may find yourself.

Faith-full Living

I've been reading through 2 Kings over these past few weeks, spending a lot of time reading about one of my favorite Biblical characters, Elisha.  During our Team Retreat we spent a lot of time reading about faith in God's Word and what that means in our lives.  I couldn't help but think of Elisha as his life was such a picture of living with an understanding of who God was and what He was doing.  You get the idea that nothing really surprised him because nothing was outside God's realm of possibility.  

Some of my favorite Elisha moments:

• 2 Kings 2.23-25 - Let's just say that I've always had to think twice before making any comments to my father about his hair (or lack of it).
• 2 Kings 4.8-37 - This story is one that has had a profound impact on my life for many years now.  I can blog more about this later.  That Shunammite woman, though, was pretty special.
• 2 Kings 4.40 - I think this is one of the funniest verses in the Bible.  I say it with great enthusiasm and dramatic angst.  "Oh man of God!  There is death in the pot!"  Who says the Bible isn't applicable today?
• 2 Kings 6.18-23 - Reminds me of the Heavenly perspective that I need to have in the midst of Earthly situations.  "Those who are with us are more than those who are with them."  May my blinded eyes see, too.
• 2 Kings 13.20-21 - This is, I think, one of the most remarkable stories, and it doesn't even get its own subject heading.  It's just casually placed in the middle of another narrative.  "Oh, by the way, Elisha had such a powerful measure of God's Spirit in his life that after he died, even his bones brought men back to life."  Can you imagine how much fun that man had going back to his friends after they threw him in that cave?  "Hey guys!  How ya' doin?  So you didn't want to bother burying me correctly, huh?"  Wild.

What kind of legacy will be left with my life?  May I receive an even greater measure of God's Spirit and presence that it will truly be one faith-full life.

COTK Team Retreat

Just got back from our COTK Team Retreat last night.  This has been a tradition since the very beginning of Church of the King, but was my first one!  Apparently it was at last year's retreat that Brad first shared with the team his "top secret" plan to propose.  It was thereafter referred to as "his cell phone plan."  How fun to see the cell phone plan now in full operation. :-)

It was a wonderful time to get to know the leadership team better and full of laughter, prayer, beating of drums at the earliest hours of the morning (band camp was also there . . . couldn't help but think of Heart of Darkness) and ultra-competitive games of Mafia.  

There were many sweet moments of prayer and bonding that I'll be building on for a while.  One of the most significant parts of the retreat for this girl, however, happened yesterday afternoon around 1:30 PM, right before we left.  Jim and Maria Zufall's card was addressed.  That was the last thank you card. :-) I am so thankful for the many gifts and blessings we received and so thankful that these are done! :-) Yay Seabiscuit.  Maybe I should treat myself to an extra carrot today? :-)

Ode to My Husband

How do I love him?  Let me count the ways . . .

1.  His FAITH and ability to communicate that to others.  If you haven't had a chance to listen to the "What If?" series, definitely check it out.  God has been building faith around COTK and it's exciting to see what He'll continue to do.

2.  His GRACE and support in giving me time to discern God's next steps for me and our family (and in being patient with a messy house as I've been studying).  

3.  He's really cute.  He still makes me feel melty when I look at him. :-)

4.  He's watching the original Pride and Prejudice with me, just because he loves me. (He was going to have to watch it if he lost the Stanley Cup bet.)  You can read his prediction of how the movie will end here.  Based on his description, you can imagine how entertaining this viewing is.

5.  He does house repairs and "honey dos" even at the end of several extremely long days that left him extremely tired.  And he does them very well.

I will spare the readers and won't go on (though I could for a while).  I am so grateful for God's greatest gift (besides Himself, of course).

Updates

A few updates on life these past few days . . .

• I've been doing a quick crash course on trigonometry.  No, I have not reached a new level of boredom.  I've been going through a process to pursue a part-time teaching opportunity with the Kaplan Company.  It's been a fairly extensive process so far, but as of Monday I had the go-ahead to start training for a position this Saturday.  Training will continue through the month, but if I pass, I will be able to start teaching classes on ACT preparation (thus my review of Trig).  I actually had to take the ACTs again because it's been more than 5 years since I last took them.  Yikes!  Crazy.  After a lot of prayer for next steps it's been neat to see how God's been putting this opportunity together.  We'll see how things continue to go . . .
• I am on the "S's" for my thank yous.  Yay!  I decided that I'm like Seabiscuit, the racing horse.  I need another horse in front of me to spur me on to race faster.  In this case, that other horse is training for a job and trying to sell a house.  I still am so ashamed that it's taken this long to write these.  I must learn for the future . . .
• The learning curve of cooking has leveled out a bit since my last post.  I'm actually even enjoying it.  I learned, however, that you can never be too confident in your abilities, lest you quickly slip and fall.  At a leadership gathering on Sunday night, I proudly took my dessert that I tried for the first time . . . raspberry pie.  I have to say, it looked beautiful and I was really excited for how it would be received.  Imagine my horror when I looked over at the man across from me about to bite into my pie when I saw that I forgot to bake the crust!!!  Pure dough.  Beautiful raspberries and filling piled on top of pure dough.  Turned out to be some humble pie for me.

Sorry for the irregular postings, but thought you might enjoy the quick catch-up. :-)

Threads Latest

Here's the latest Quarterlife article if you care to read it. It focuses on the job search of a quarterlifer. Thanks to Threads Media for the opportunity to write. Enjoy! :-)

Home away from Home

It's weird having a home in two places.

My cousin is getting married this weekend and I was able to leave a few days early and spend some more time back in the 'Burgh.  I've been amazed at how quickly my new life and new home have become normal for me, but there's something about coming home that is unlike anything else.

Driving back on my old streets, seeing how much has changed and yet how much is exactly the same . . . it almost feels like I've walked back into a dream of a life long ago.  It's a very happy thing, just kind of surreal at times.  

It was a really tangible reminder that I should always have my feet in two homes.  One is planted in my Father's Heavenly Kingdom, learning what it means to value the things of His heart and live with Him.  Yet, there's still another foot here, in the place where He has me for as long as He tarries.  Learning to bring His home into our home here on Earth.  

Not even sure if this is making any sense right now, as it's hard to put a lot of these thoughts into words.  I thought I'd give it the ole college try, though.

Confessions

This Saturday will be my six month anniversary.  So happy.  I'm sure I'll blog more about that later.

But before I do, I have a confession to make.  

I'm getting ready.

I'm so ashamed.

I should just do it.

My name is Leah Edwards Leach and I have not yet finished writing my wedding thank you cards!!!

So terrible.

Those of you who were gracious enough to bless us with a wedding gift whose last names are at the beginning of the alphabet are probably under the false impression that I was somewhat "on-the-ball" with the matter.  Those of you at the end of the alphabet know how bad it is.

The really sad part is that we are genuinely thankful.  Incredibly thankful and hugely blessed.  So why is it that when it comes to actually writing that out in these thank you cards it sucks the air out of the balloon?   Writing these cards has become the dark cloud on the horizon of my life. There's something about making thank yous obligatory and expected that takes all the joy out of it.  Does anyone know any way to combat this?

In the meantime, know that if you're at the end of the alphabet, I truly am thankful and your card is coming to express the thoughts once again (I'm sure you'll be waiting at the mailbox with baited breath).  

Whew!

I woke up today and I was exhausted.  I think it was one of those moments when activity from the previous days/weeks just catches up with you and hits you like a brick wall.  And as I'm tired, I'm remembering my friends and old ministry team at North Way who is blessing so many at Kidz Gig this week.  In some ways it feels like another place from long ago.  Can't wait to hear about all that God does through it.

And, there is now officially two new Michiganders in Detroit (probably a few more, too, but I don't know about them).  My youngest sister Samantha and her friend Hannah have moved into their new apartment.  Samantha begins her year-long worship internship at COTK today.  How happy!

We're Going Camping Now

Been spending these last few days at the OH District Family Camp where my husband and father-in-law are the main speakers.  The wireless has been pretty spotty so I'll try and post this while the sun is shining and the wind is blowing this way.  

I have to say that I've never been too much of a camper, so I wasn't really sure what to expect.  When we pulled up, all I could see were tents and a giant teepee.  I gave Brad the look that says, "What have you gotten me into?!?"  He calmed me down and told me we would be staying in a lodge and I have to say our lodge has exceeded my expectations. :-)

Besides that, I have been so blessed to listen to Brad and Dad preach each day.  God is using them in mighty ways and it's doing some mighty work in His Kingdom.  I think it was Brad's preaching that first captured my heart, so I always love the opportunity to do that even more. 

We should return in time for the 4th of July, just in time to welcome my sister Samantha for a year-long worship internship at our church!  How happy is Leah?!? :-)

P.S. - Bonus points to the person who can reference the Title of this post. 

I Have Arrived!

It's been a joke for the past several months that I am not listed on my husband's blogroll.  While he links to me frequently, and he is my biggest referral, I always wondered when I would get that last stamp of approval.

I am proud to say, I have arrived.  Wow.  Kinda feels like I've just been given an Oscar.

Thanks, Baby.  I won't take the honor lightly and will strive to live up to your recommendation. :-)

Threads

A few months ago, I had the opportunity to meet Ed Stetzer at the AG Michigan District Council.  (Thanks to Steve and Mary Beth for the invite!) I was really inspired and impressed by his talks about the nature of the church today and predictions for the years ahead.  I was also really blessed by the time he spent talking and listening to many of us at lunch, including lending an ear to me while I shared some of my thoughts and experiences about a quarterlife crisis.

I wrote down some of my thoughts and sent it into Threads, an online journal through LifeWay Resources, and they published it yesterday.  How very cool for God to redeem a difficult season in my life in such a great way!  If you get a chance, maybe read it and let me know what you think about the topic.  I'm feeling pretty passionate about finding a way for the church to speak to this, although I don't have many specifics as to how.  Any thoughts?

Last One!

Gotta make this quick, like a band-aid. 

My last bet post on . . . the Red Wings.

Things that are great about the Red Wings:

• They are a great blessing to the Swedish Olympic Hockey Team. 
• Their Red and White colors remind me of my elementary school days.  Go Eden Warriors!
• They have been innovative in their ways to celebrate with invertebrates.  (By the way, anyone who can explain the origins of the octopi on the ice thing would be my hero.)
• They have brought much joy to the city of Detroit, winning 10 Stanley Cups and 4 in the last 10 years alone.
• I'm coming up empty.  Maybe come to me in a few months when the wound is a little less fresh and I'll have some more.

Brad insists on editing this post, as he said there were some "inappropriate" comments in the last one (i.e. Chris Webber).  Sorry to all my Pittsburgh readers.  Remember it was a bet! :-)

Salty

Have you ever read something so much that you quit paying attention to what it says?  I had one of those moments earlier this week when I was reading a very familiar passage in Matthew 5.

I know this should not come as a shocker, but Jesus was completely brilliant in choosing salt and light as His analogy of what we're to be in this world.  I started thinking about some of the basic properties of salt:

• It is used to bring out flavors that already exist in a food.
• A little bit of it goes a long way.
• Too much of it can ruin a piece of food.
• Tasting it will make a person thirsty.
• If it is placed on a wound, it will sting a little, but it can also have healing properties.
• It is by its very nature salty.  If it tried to be any other flavor, or lost that property somehow, it's worthless.
• And I think this had even more meaning in a culture where salt was used as a valuable food preservative and currency.

It made me think twice about how many of these kind of qualities I'm living in my everyday interactions with people I know as well as complete strangers.  Am I being salty (no reference to the singing songbook)? :-)

Maize and Blue

I write this knowing it's going to cause some personal pain to my father and mother.  Sorry parents.  Remember this is a bet.

The Wolverines . . . my dad described them as our Big 10 "Big Brother Team."  (My parents attended and went to Penn State . . . JoPa has been bred into my subconscious.) They continually beat up on the Lions with no mercy, taunting them relentlessly.

So, here's my best take at things that are great about the University of Michigan Wolverines . . .

• They are the arch rival of Ohio State.  
• Perhaps they will prove that something good can come out of WVU.
• They got very Crayola-creative in their terminology for their team colors.  You may think it's gold, but no.  It's "maize."
• They have an amazing history of some great quarterbacks that have come out of their school.
• And, so as not to make it all about football, the infamous "time out" call by Chris Webber in the NCAA final has become one of my favorite all-time memories to bring up to my husband when he is taunting me about some sports team.

One more to go.  Gotta work up some emotional strength before that one.

They're Grrrrrrrreat!

Can you guess the team for the day?

Frosted Flakes.  Tony the TIGER.  Yeah, little bit of a reach.  Trying to take up space here . . .

Well clearly the best thing about the Tigers is their manager, Jim Leyland.  Jim was a part of the Pirates' glory days in the early 90s (I still hate the Atlanta Braves) and I've always had a fond place in my heart for him.

The Tigers have been struggling this year living up to their expectations, but they have great raw talent on their team.

Have I mentioned how much I love their team colors?

I'm really happy about the fact that the Tigers aren't the Atlanta Braves.

Yeah, now I'm really reaching.

I've really wanted to go to a Tigers game for the last year and a half.  Maybe then I could identify a little better with the team?  In the meantime, go Jim Leyland.  I think you're grrrrrrreat!

Brave New World

I subscribe to a really interesting daily newsletter called KidScreen Magazine.  I learned about it at a Children's Ministry Conference a few years ago and love the way it keeps me updated on new trends, products, and issues that are affecting kids and teenagers worldwide.

I read some really interesting articles in an issue the other day that gave some great insight to a generation that I'm not that far from in age, but in some ways are light years apart.

This first article talks about how Japan is actually looking at setting legal limits on child cell phone use.  It talks about how much kids are using their phones as mini-computers and how it could be detrimental to their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.  The second took another look at the virtual worlds that are so pervasive suggesting that they can be as normal as hanging out at the mall.  

What are some other thoughts on these trends?  How do you think it impacts church and ministry to these age groups and to ministry in general as they grow up?

How 'Bout Dem Lions

So I'm a little behind on the bet blogging.  Sorry Brad.

For my second choice, I am going to choose to write about the Lions.  It may come as a surprise to some that the Lions would be my second easiest team to write about (being the Steelers' fan that I am), but I've always had a thing for underdogs and I think it's pretty safe to say that the Lions are underdogs.

Here's some things that I think are great about the Lions:

• At the risk of being condemned for being repetitive, I like their team colors.  
• They think outside of the box, keeping people on their toes.  For example, who would've ever thought the Lions would choose Gosder Cherilus for their first round draft pick?  Pretty sure no one.  Crazy Lions.
• Their fans are a dichotomy of intense despair and hope.  They manage to pack out their games despite their previous records and histories.  And yet no matter what, there's still that little glimmer that, "There's always next year."
• They hosted the Super Bowl where the Steelers won.
• Jerome Bettis was probably a fan of the Lions at some time in his life.  

I really do hope the Lions have a good year and bring great joy to the city.  Now if they ever meet with the Steelers, well, I just won't go there in this post.

Ante Up

So, it seems as if the Red Wings have won the Stanley Cup.  They played a great series.  They were tough.  They earned it.

But I'm still sad.  

Contrary to any rumors that I heard about, I was rooting for the Pens, although I have to say I'm thrilled that Detroit gets some good news these days.

As a result of the Penguins' loss, I must uphold my end of the Leach Family wager . . . write 5 different blog posts about how great the different Detroit sports teams are.  Because I'd want Brad to be gracious if he lost (and watch Pride & Prejudice with an open-mind) I'm going to try and do this as honestly as possible.

I'm starting with the easiest for me . . . the Pistons.

I can honestly and quickly pursue being a Pistons fan without any divided loyalties.  And after my first official game, I have to say I'm hooked.  Here are some reasons why:

• I really like their team colors.  Bright blue and red.  Classy.
• They are my husband's favorite and I'm finding it's really great for our marriage when we're cheering for the same team. :-)
• They give you Thundersticks when you go to a game for free.  Who knew how much fun it could be to hit two plastic wands together?
• They have really fun cheers when you are there.  Deeeeee-troit . . . Basket-ball!!!!
• They are good with really passionate fans.  I have great respect for passionate fans.

I could go on, but Brad, is this good enough? :-) The week will only go uphill from here . . . :-)

New Bloggers!

Two new friends of mine have started blogs and I thought I'd pass them along.

Megan Colabrese, one of the bridesmaids in my wedding and one of my oldest and dearest friends, has started a blog called Life Abundant.  Megan is on full-time staff with the Navigators at Penn State University and I've been waiting a long time for her to share her many insights with so many others on the web.

Annie Maines is my sister's, sister-in-law, so we refer to her as my "sister in the family."  Pretty good, huh? :-) She has just recently started a blog called Freeboard and I'm excited to keep up with her many exploits and insights there.

Yay for new bloggers. :-)

I Love It. I Love It Not . . .

This week has been quite a roller coaster ride for me and my new city.

As I'm sure you're aware, our home has been filled with some playful rivalry in the present Stanley Cup playoffs.  I wish I could say that I've been perfectly calm and fun about everything, but honestly I was getting pretty annoyed to live here at the beginning of the week.  I wouldn't read the newspaper until Thursday.  All those cocky articles about their "so great" hockey team . . . and what kind of city has a sadistic game called "Whack a Penguin" on their newspaper's website?!?  And an even better question . . . what kind of person would actually play it?!?

Needless to say, things got a little more fun on Thursday.  This was by far my favorite quote in the Detroit Free Press.  "Red Wings fan Dave Thurman, 49, of Novi said security guards frisked him at the entrance and asked: 'Do you have any octopus?' He didn't. 'But they were serious about it,' Thurman said. 'They searched me.' A Mellon Arena usher, who declined to give his name said he had orders to boot any octopus-thrower out of the arena."  Ahhhhh, Pittsburgh.  

Last night however, was one of my first real connections that I felt with the city as I went to my first NBA game, watching the Pistons in Game 6.  Brad and I went along with his parents and I confess that while I had previously found the NBA to be my least favorite professional sport, it's WAAAAAAAY better in person.  Sadly, there was somewhat of a meltdown in the 4th quarter leaving the Pistons with a loss, but the experience was still a positive one for me.  It's a foundation at least that me and the city can work on.  Now, if only they'll get rid of their sequel game "Chuck a Penguin . . ."

Deal or No Deal

So I'd like to confess one of the guilty pleasures of the Leach family.

Deal or No Deal.

I remember when it first aired and my dad and sister tried to explain the plot for me.  (For those of you that have never experienced the show, here's a summary of the rules on NBC's website.)  Needless to say, when I first heard the explanation I was flabbergasted.  The show requires no skill.  Absolutely nothing can make you better or worse at the game.  It's really all just based on random chance.  What could possibly be intriguing about that?  And yet, it doesn't take too many viewings to get sucked into the black hole of entertainment piloted by the brilliant Howie Mandel.

What I find to be truly fascinating is the way the contestants talk on the show.  They plead with the models to open up a small number (as if the model has ANY control over the outcome).  No matter what the first offer is, they always say, "It's a lot of money . . ." but they never take the deal.  And they always, always KNOW that their suitcase has $1,000,000 in it.  But I've never seen anyone go all the way with their deal.  They always sell their case back to the banker (and in most cases make a good deal).

I guess what really struck me is the discontinuity between what people are saying with their mouths and what they're really believing in their hearts.  They may say they are certain that their case holds $1,000,000 but if they really believed that with 100% certainty, why would they ever settle for anything less?  What they are saying and what they are doing don't add up.

Of course I had to ask myself that same question.  I have been given a suitcase that holds way more worth than $1,000,000.  The case of salvation that God has given to me provides me with innumerable blessings both now and for all of eternity.  I know that.  I say that to other people.  And yet, I can think of some ways that I choose to settle for less, making a deal that just doesn't add up.  I choose to be anxious or stressed or discontent instead of holding on to my case that's a guaranteed fortune.  

I'll probably have to come back and read this blog again sometime in the distant (or more likely not-so-distant) future.  I'm blessed to have family and friends that I brought with me to cheer me on when I might be tempted to compromise.  I need to remind myself that no matter what the other cases that are opened in my life's circumstances my response always needs to be, "No Deal!" as I hold on to the case Christ has bought for me.  I think Howie would be proud.

Kick in the Teeth

So I went back to the gym yesterday.  Sadly to say first time in about 2 weeks.  

I took a pilates class (first one in about 3 weeks) and what was even worse than the "I'm going to throw up feeling" that I felt as my core was being turned inside out, was the lack of that feeling by anyone else in the room.  Seriously, this class was really hard and everyone seemed perfectly okay about the regimen that we were under.

Finally, the lady sitting behind me groaned at the apex of one of the hardest sets we were doing.  She groaned!  I was so happy!  A kindred spirit!  Someone else who understands that this was an unusual form of bodily torture.

I looked at her with a smile and said, "Wow, this class is really hard, isn't it?"

She looked back at me with a similar expression of anguish and said, "Yeah, I just don't have anything left in my legs because I just finished doing the two classes before this one, too."

Bubble of glee quickly deflated to bitter humiliation.  So much for finding camaraderie in the face of trials.

IT'S OFFICIAL

Let's be honest.  Hockey is probably the only sport that I would ever see this happen.

Gotta love those Pirates, but until we see some new management, it's gonna be hard to see them play the Tigers in any World Series.

And the Lions???  Well, do we really need to say anything more?

So how excited am I to see the Pittsburgh Penguins playing the Swedish, I mean Detroit Red Wings?

You can see that Brad has already thrown down the gauntlet on his blog and the Pittsburgh fans are coming out strong!!!  We're trying to come up with a friendly wager on the series.  Any suggestions?

The Little Friendly Restaurant

So we made it to the booming metropolis of Springfield after a drive from Tulsa, OK (cheaper to fly there and rent a car).  My first trip to either of these states (and I thought Detroit was flat!?!).  

Yesterday, while Brad was in class, Aunt Debbie, Jonathan and his friend Heather and I went exploring the city.  Aunt Debbie took us to a restaurant that she said we just HAD to try called Casper's (no little, friendly ghosts that I could see).  I'm not sure that the pictures can do it justice.  

The whole place literally sits maybe 25 people.  25 skinny people.  And it's set up in a facility that looks like an old army barracks, circa 1964.  When you walk inside, however, it's unlike any barracks that has been seen by a soldier.  It reminded me of what I imagined Rainbow Brite's house to look like.  It's comprised of pictures that have been collected throughout the restaurant's 100 year history and is known for a secret chili recipe that has been around that long as well.  

The food was great, cooked by Etta who has probably been working there throughout most of the restaurant's history.  What really impressed me, however, was the make-up of the restaurant's patrons.  There were Lexus-driving, Armani-suit wearing businessmen sitting right beside the Missouri farmer who brought in pictures of the most recent renovations to his barn.  And they all enjoyed the camaraderie.  

It made me really wonder what was it about Casper's that made it so popular and endearing to it's variety of customers.  While the aesthetics and food certainly add to its charm, I really think it's the people that make the difference.  The wait staff and owner treated all their customers the same, rich or poor, fat or skinny, business deals or farm weddings . . . they were all treated with the same attitude of value and respect.  

I think when it comes to ministry, I tend to really think a lot about getting externals right . . . brochures, environment, decorations.  They're definitely important and something to be considered.  Even more, however, I need to be concerned with how I am going to be a part of a person's experience.  Am I going to make them feel valued, loved, and unique as Jesus certainly would or am I too busy getting everything ready that I miss out on the reasons why.  My trip to the "little friendly restaurant" was one that made this Springfield trip something to remember.  

First Trip!

I get to leave today for my first trip to Springfield, MO.  Brad has another week of his grad classes down there and I get to go with him this time!  Yay!

I'm excited to spend some time with some more members of my new family (Uncle John, Aunt Debbie, and cousins Bethany and Jonathan) and to see the city where my husband spent 4 years of college.  Every time I tell people that I'm going they say, "Is this your first trip?" and when I say that it is, they look at me with this knowing look that says, "Wow!  Wait 'til you see it!" 

I'm so intrigued.

Nephew Update

Here are a few recent pics from the world's cutest nephew.  He just turned 6 months old in April and we just had a celebration on Sunday after Betsy and Rob dedicated him in church. (Don't worry.  Uncle Brad was sure to explain the theological implications of dedication to his nephew before the event.) :-)